HMX Joker 45g Linear

Quick Summary

The HMX Joker is a lightweight linear born from an 80Retros collaboration, built on the same reliable POM-stem-in-nylon-housing recipe that has made HMX a default recommendation for smooth budget linears. With a light 45g actuation, a short 3.5mm total travel and a deep, clean sound signature, it’s an easy pick for anyone who wants a fast, fuss-free linear without spending much. If you like a poppy, low-pitched linear that’s ready to go in the box, this is a strong contender.

Specs and Feel

This is a true linear with no bump or click anywhere in the stroke. Actuation sits at a light 45g with a bottom-out around 50g, so the spring weighting is gentle and shallow. You never have to push hard to get to the bottom. Pre-travel is the standard 2.0mm but total travel is a slightly shortened 3.5mm, which gives presses a snappy, quick-resetting feel rather than a long, drawn-out one.

The POM stem riding in a nylon housing delivers the smoothness HMX is known for: the slide is clean and consistent with no perceptible scratch, and stem wobble is well controlled in both directions. The nylon housing shapes the sound. It tamps down high-frequency clack and pushes the bottom-out into a deeper, fuller register.

Tuning

These don’t need much. Factory lube is even and the switches feel finished as-is, so it makes sense to build with them stock first. If you want to chase the last bit of refinement, a light hand-lube on the springs and switch films will tighten wobble and deepen the sound marginally. This is optional polish, not a necessary fix.

Verdict

Buy them. The HMX Joker hits the sweet spot of light weighting, short snappy travel, real smoothness and a deep sound for budget money. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a no-drama lightweight linear, and the only reason to skip it is if you specifically prefer heavier springs or a brighter, clackier signature.